College coach calls Bryant complete package

What separates Cubs' prized prospect from others is mental as well as physical preparation

August 24, 2013|By Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune reporter

Cubs draft pick Kris Bryant takes ground balls at third base before the a game in July. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

SAN DIEGO — Kris Bryant's preparation for the scrutiny he will face during his ascent through the Cubs' minor league system actually started before his junior season at the University of San Diego.

Rather than working on eye candy such as how far he could hit the ball, Bryant's emphasis was always on drills, repetition and conditioning, San Diego coach Rich Hill said.

"It was 36 months of an intense process," Hill said Friday. "Kris is a little bit different than the other guys we've had from the mental side.

"He's not a partier. He's a good citizen and a good student. He's just a baseball player."

With Cubs fans thirsting for long-awaited success from a fortified farm system stocked with players like Bryant, the second pick in the June draft who currently is excelling at Class A Daytona, they shouldn't be worried about attention going to the head of the prized prospect.

Hill talked about a message he delivered to the team about character and shared a story in which he heard a student asked Bryant, 21, why he didn't want to go to a party and "have fun.''

Bryant's response, according to Hill, was: 'I don't need to drink to have fun.' ''

As the attention surrounding Bryant swelled at San Diego, so did his awareness that every move he made would be dissected.

"He understood that every time you walk on a field, everyone looks at you," Hill said. "He understands that every at-bat at Class A, Double A, Triple A and the major leagues will be on the Internet. I don't think there was anyone more prepared for that in this year's draft.''

Hill said that Bryant's father, Mike, stressed the importance of not letting "others' brains affect the process.''

"How does Derek Jeter do it?" Hill said. "How does Kobe Bryant do it? The microscope always is on them to perform.''

Hill said the only "issue" he had with Bryant was during his freshman season when "he wanted to do so well."

That year Bryant hit .365 in 53 games and was named the West Coast Conference's co-player and co-freshman of the year.

"He's not a fiery or vocal guy," Hill said. "He's very focused. He's the most prepared guy on his team on game day. There is no anxiety or fear of failure."

There has been plenty of speculation as to whether the 6-foot-5, 215-pound Bryant will stay at third base or move to the outfield, but he showed his preference through his work on the field under the watch of hundreds of scouts.

"He played more aggressively at third this season," Hill said of Bryant, who was charged with nine errors in 166 chances. "My fondest moment of Kris doesn't even involve one of his towering home runs.

"One inning he went from first to third on a ground ball up the middle and successfully challenged the center fielder who had the play in front of him. He's extremely athletic.

"In the bottom of the inning, there was a slow roller that he charged and threw in one easy motion to get the out. I turned to one of my assistants and said, 'He looks like a Gold Glove third baseman. That's a ridiculous play.'

"He knows there are maybe 10 great third basemen who have played the game, but that there are 1,000 great corner outfielders. He wants to be a great third baseman, but he could be a Gold Glove right fielder."